My Favorite Things for May & June

The weather is finally getting warmer and outdoor markets are popping up around Boston faster than the flowers! I'm still running around (now on purpose) and trying to soak in as much of the spring as possible.

1. Neewer // Running Waist Bag 

I typically don't run with a phone. I like being able to run without my technological ball and chain. That being said, I recently decided to get back into running. To take my mind off how out of shape I felt I started listening to podcasts on my iPhone. I am a finicky runner so much so that having anything in my hand or on my arm throws me off balance. I LOVE this belt from Neewer. I can barely tell its on, it holds my phone and my keys and its water resistant. I actually have no idea what I look with it on, but the who goal of exercise is to make yourself look like a fool in the most exhausting way possible, right?

2. My "La Vie en Rose" Station on Pandora

I first heard La Vie en Rose when I was watching Sabrina staring Audrey Hepburn. The song has been one of my favorite songs ever since. The playlist based on this song is one of my favorites to listen to when I am lounging on the porch or cooking a fun dinner.  In addition to the Louis Armstrong version of La Vie En Rose, there are songs by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin and a bunch of non-lyrical french songs that I love.

3. Birkenstock // Gizeh 

Until about a month ago I thought of Birkenstocks as sandals for hippies and people with foot problems. I was right! But I finally tried them on and they are rarely off my feet. These are actually kind of cute and stylish. Do your feet a favor and ditch your normal pavement slappers for these cork cruisers. If anyone pokes fun, just tell them I made you do it. 

4. Cusinart // CPB-300PK Compact Blender

I am not a very healthy eater. I'm not a huge fan of vegetables, and while I'll eat fruit if it's cut up and prepared, I'd rather snack on carbs in almost any form. Enter this blender. I have been drinking a banana a serving of fruit and kale/spinach every day for the last month or so. These individual cups with lids (lids set them apart) are the perfect vehicles for sneaking the greens into my smoothie is perfect. Sometimes I even throw them into milkshakes. I've also started adding ground up flax seeds which are not only a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but also provide another way in which I'm turning into my mother. 

5. Baggu // Standard in Hot Pink

I have been carrying reusable bags to the grocery store since I was in college. They carry more than the average grocery bag and are environmentally friendly as well. I like this fold up bag from Baggu because it doesn't take up a lot of space in my work tote, but it's always there in case I need to grab some groceries on the way home.

My Favorite Movies After a Long Week

Whenever I've had a really long and exhausting week I like to curl up in bed and put on one of these movies. They are not mentally taxing and they all feature strong female leads juggling the different aspects of their lives. Even though they are movies and real life isn't a movie blah, blah, blah, they give me a little hope that I can keep everything together.

Jane Fonda and a extremely preppy Robert Redford take on marriage and the New York Housing Market

Great actors and well written lines that actually hold some truth. Also Ryan Gossling's abs if you're into that sort of thing.

New places, new loves. Directed by Nancy Meyers and Scored by Hans Zimmer, who both do an amazing job.

I love Meryl. She is a goddess. Also written  and directed by Nancy Meyers with music by Hans Zimmer. Nancy Meyers  can do a rom-com like no other.

Marylin Monroe, Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall on the hunt for billionaires. I like that part of this movie is set in Maine, because who doesn't love Maine? On Netflix!

Audrey Hepburn as a princess experiencing "normal" life in Rome with Gregory Peck. I wish that was my "normal" life. On Netflix!

 Reese Witherspoon doing that whole southern thang. Having lived in Alabama during college, this movie makes me a tad bit homesick. 

*All images from IMDB.com

My Favorite Things for April

My April has been a whirlwind so far! New opportunities are popping up like daises, and I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. On top of that I'm transitioning my closet from winter to summer. Here are my favorite things, both old and new for April.

1. J. Crew // Anya Ballet Flat

These flats are so comfortable! They actually have a sole, unlike many other flats I own, so they offer more support. I bought my first pair at J. Crew Factory last spring and they are so affordable I can't wait to add another pair to my collection.

2. J. Crew // Two Pocket Chambray Shirt

At the same time I purchased my Anya flats I also bought this chambray shirt. At first I wan't sure what to wear it with, but I found that I ended up with colored denim, chino shorts, skirts, leggings etc. If you don't own a chambray or denim shirt I highly recommend picking one up this spring! There are cuts and washes for everyone.

3. Yurbuds // Boston Special Edition

Yurbuds are great headphones for running or just everyday. In support of the survivors of the events at the 2013 Boston Marathon, they are donating 10% of the proceeds from their Boston Special edition headphones to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a non-profit organization that has been helping those injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings "through events, run clinics, grants for adaptive equipment." 

4. Mission // Blister Armour

New shoes sometimes mean new blisters. I have terrible feet, probably from years of sport. I find that Mission Blister Armour prevents them especially on my heels. If I do get a blister, putting a little of this on top of the bandaid keeps the shoe from catching on it.

5. Essie // Butler Please

I love to wear this color in the summer when I'm tan. Its a bright, warm royal blue that can be edgy or preppy. It is on my toes right now! I can't wait to try it out with a matte top coat.

My Favorite Things for March

March is my least favorite month. Growing up in New England March is monotonous, muddy and miserable. There are a few things that help me push through to April. 

1. Girl Scout Cookies

It's Girl Scout cookie season! My favorites are Thin Mints and Caramel DeLites (Samoas). Make sure you stock up while you can, cookies are only on sale for a limited time. Visit the Girl Scout Cookie finder to find out where to buy your cookies.

2. Freddy the Frog Humidifier

So far this March has been cold and dry. This humidifier helps me combat the dry air and keep my sinuses healthy. It works well and isn't took expensive. Its also really cute even if it is designed for kids. 

3. 8" Bean Boot from L.L. Bean

I love Bean Boots. There is no better footwear for trudging through the slush and muck that accompanies March. If it's cold I use a shearling insole, but you can usually get by on some good wool socks. Look out for more posts on Bean boots later this month! (Made in the U.S.A.)

4. Stuffing-Free Ducky from Kong

I'm puppysitting my Boston Terrier, Lindy (technically my parent's dog) at my apartment in a few weeks and I am so excited! She is incredibly spoiled, but I wanted to get her something to cuddle with while she is staying with me. I like this plush from Kong because it doesn't have any stuffing, but it's still soft and durable. Lindy also looks adorable carrying around a little ducky. (Made in the U.S.A.)

5. Life is Good St. Patrick's Day Socks

Fuzzy socks can make any day better. These are perfect for March in Boston. Life is Good is headquartered in Boston and the shamrock design couldn't be better for St. Patrick's Day!

Favorite Things: February

Here are some of my favorite things for February:

Clockwise from top left:

• A Cut Above from Essie & Theodora You from OPI - I like to layer the pink glitter polish from Essie over the pale pink polish from OPI. The glitter adds a nice sparkle without being gaudy. Great for Valentine's day!
• Rabbit Fur Pom Beanie from City Hunter - Although this hat isn't especially warm it's cute and can be worn folded up and slouchy. I wore it on a walk around the city last week and received quite a few compliments.
• Wicked Good Clog from L.L.Bean - BEST SLIPPERS EVER! Their shearling liner makes them fluffy and warm. They have a cork and rubber outer sole so you don't need to change shoes to take out the dog or to make a quick trip to the store. I've had mine for more than 3 years and they are still holding up great!
• Daron Terry Cardigan from Jack by BB Dakota - This is a great sweatshirt for tall girls with long arms. The back of the sweatshirt is longer in the back (covers my bum) so I can wear it with leggings. 
• Sweet Pea & Pomegranate Candle from DW Home - I love the way this candle smells. It's sweet, but not over bearing. I have the neon pink version of this candle from T.J.Maxx and the combination of the bright color and warm weather smell is a nice pick me up on overcast winter days.
• Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion from Queen Helene - This is my skin saver in the winter. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy. It's incredibly inexpensive (usually around $5 for 32 oz.) and can be bought from the drugstore. It also smells like summertime.